SBDN and NEBWG Bat Database

Download SBDN_NEBWG_BatDB_2009 (MS Access) and BatDB_2007_Instructions (.doc). Updated 05-04-09.

Since the closure of the bat banding database by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, bat researchers have discussed the need for a central repository for bat data. Without a repository, lots of good data is hidden in desks and storage areas. To address this issue the Southeast Bat Diversity Network (SBDN) and the Northeast Bat Working Group (NEBWG) have combined efforts to create a bat database for use in the eastern United States. We believe that examination of bat capture information over a large area will allow biologists and managers to determine whether bat distributions are changing over time, resulting in more effective and timely bat conservation efforts.

The SBDN/NEBWG database expands on typical bat databases in that it includes bat capture data (with or without banding) as well as bats counts (e.g., hibernacula surveys, emergence counts, etc.). Thus, this database was set up to provide an opportunity to place most, if not all, information gathered on bats in the eastern United States into this electronic format. Again, this database is not simply a bat banding database. If a researcher decides to band, then that data can be included in the database, but if a researcher decides not to band, they can still enter their data in the database.

Conditions for use of the database:

1. The data entered in the database will only be made available to state and federal permitting offices and others who fill out a formal request (see below).
2. For a band recovery, only the contact information of the original researcher or the contact person who banded the animal will be released. This will eliminate the problem of providing specific site data about banded bats.
3. Researchers that are interested in querying the database will be allowed to do so under certain circumstances. Interested researchers must submit a short proposal to the database committee detailing the data desired, the expected outcome, and the way in which other researchers will be acknowledged. This model is based on the protocol commonly employed at natural history museums throughout the country. If the request is granted, the database will be searched and the results will be sent to the researcher.

To use, download the SBDN_NEBWG_BatDB_2009 (2 MB – Microsoft Access) and the BatDB_2007_Instructions (.doc), which explain the tables and fields that populate the database. Fill in the bat data you collect this year (and previous years if desired) and send it back to either Eric or Susan. Their contact info is located below.

If you find an error or other suggestion, please let one of us know so we can address the issue.

Eric Britzke

USACE/ERDC

3909 Halls Ferry Road

Vicksburg, MS 39180-6199

601-634-3641

Ebritzke@comcast.net

Susan C. Loeb

Southern Research Station

Dept. of Forestry and Natural Resources

Clemson University

Clemson, SC 29634

Phone: 864-656-4865

Fax: 864-656-1407

sloeb@clemson.edu or sloeb@fs.fed.us